SAMRC UFH Center

09/04/2026

Now Hiring: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Molecular Microbiology (2026)

The University of Fort Hare’s DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics is seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher in Molecular Microbiology.

We are looking for candidates with strong expertise in:
✔️ Molecular microbial ecology and environmental genomics
✔️ Metagenomics, NGS, and phylogenetic analysis
✔️ Bioinformatics pipelines and meta-omics data analysis
✔️ Programming (Python, R, Java) and big data analytics

Funding: R320,000 per annum (tax-free)
Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 2 years)
Closing Date: Open until filled

Apply via email to:
Prof Anthony I Okoh (aokoh@ufh.ac.za)
Cc: Ms Piwe Ntlati (PNtlati@ufh.ac.za)

Applications must include your CV, PhD certificate, thesis abstract, and referee contact details.

Be part of cutting-edge research addressing microbial and environmental challenges with real-world impact.

09/04/2026

Opportunity Alert: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Environmental Toxicology (2026)

The University of Fort Hare, through the DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Environmental Toxicology.
This opportunity is ideal for a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in environmental toxicology and experience in:
✔️ Surveillance of environmental toxicants and risk assessment
✔️ Advanced analytical techniques (GC-MS, HPLC, etc.)
✔️ Data analysis and environmental risk assessment tools
✔️ Scientific publication in high-impact journals

Funding: R320,000 per annum (tax-free)
Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 2 years)
Closing Date: Open until filled

Applications should be sent to:
Prof Anthony I Okoh (aokoh@ufh.ac.za)
Cc: Ms Piwe Ntlati (PNtlati@ufh.ac.za)

Required documents include CV, PhD certificate, thesis abstract, and referee details.

Join a leading research environment and contribute to impactful work in water quality and environmental health.

08/04/2026

Dr. Nolonwabo Nontongana Receives Bronze Award at the 12th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards

The SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre proudly announces that its Deputy Director, Dr. Nolonwabo Nontongana, has been awarded a Bronze Award at the 12th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards.

This prestigious recognition honours Dr. Nontongana’s outstanding contributions to research in microbial water quality and her continued commitment to advancing public health through innovative, evidence-based science. Her projects focused on investigating the factors underlying waterborne diseases using both culture-based and molecular techniques, antimicrobial resistance, and examining infectious diseases of zoonotic importance from human, animal, and environmental perspectives to understand how pandemics spread. Her work plays a vital role in strengthening water safety and supporting healthier communities.

As a dedicated researcher and leader, Dr. Nontongana exemplifies excellence and continues to make a meaningful impact within the scientific community.

The Center congratulates Dr. Nontongana on this well-deserved achievement and celebrates her ongoing contributions to research that matters.



https://youtu.be/O7XSsRRBHfA
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7447641972439392257

08/04/2026

Professor Omobola Oluranti Okoh Honoured at the 12th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards

The SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre proudly celebrates Professor Omobola Oluranti Okoh on receiving an award at the prestigious 12th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards.

This recognition highlights Professor Okoh’s exceptional contributions to scientific research, particularly in analytical and pure chemistry, water quality, and its impact on public health. Her work has significantly advanced knowledge and informed policy. Prof Okoh’s groundbreaking focus is on keeping our water systems safe from microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants, and she has contributed to sustainable solutions that benefit communities. As a respected leader and researcher, Professor Okoh continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence within the scientific community.

The Center extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Okoh on this well-deserved achievement and commends her ongoing commitment to research that makes a difference.



https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7447641972439392257
https://youtu.be/6PafCvbGeCc

10/02/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce that two of our exceptional postgraduates, Ongezile Nkalane and Khanya Nomnganga, were honoured with congress awards at the prestigious BIO26 South Africa Congress. Their recognition at such a significant event highlights not only their individual hard work but also the strength and dedication of our entire group. We couldn’t be prouder.

10/02/2026

The recent BIO26 South Africa congress served as a dynamic and influential platform that fostered knowledge exchange, collaborative efforts, and the celebration of African excellence in research. Our doctoral candidates truly shone, delivering impressive presentations that highlighted their innovative research endeavors.

10/02/2026

We kicked off the academic year with an exhilarating experience at the BIO26 South Africa Congress! Our team represented the SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre in Makhanda with immense pride, and what a remarkable week it was!

Our leaders, research fellows, and students showcased their groundbreaking research in dynamic oral and poster sessions. A major highlight was our Director, Prof. Anthony Okoh, delivering an inspiring keynote that shed light on the vital role of genomic approaches in water quality and public health. His message was clear: science-driven solutions and capacity building are essential for achieving sustainable water management in Africa and beyond!

Feeling proud to witness our leadership sparking conversations that truly matter!

08/01/2026

Applications are still open, join our dynamic team!

NOW OPEN! Pursue Master's/PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Communication or Social Science. Funding available for selected projects!

The Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre at the University of Fort Hare invites students to apply for our prestigious Studentship Programme. Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting career in research!

25/11/2025

Celebrating excellence in our center! We are proud to announce the achievements of two of our students who represented us at the SACI Eastern Cape Postgraduate Seminar hosted by Rhodes University on 3 October 2025.

We congratulate both students for their hard work, commitment, and valuable scientific contributions. Their success reflects the strength and dedication within our research group, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in the fields of chemistry, energy, and environmental research.
Well done, Nolufefe and Yandisa! We are incredibly proud of you! 👏👏

21/11/2025

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Bioinformatics 2026

The SARCHi Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics at the University of Fort Hare seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow with strong bioinformatics background as part of its environmental genomics research agenda.

Requirements:
•PhD in Bioinformatics or Genomics.
• Strong wet-lab microbiology skills including extraction of nucleic acids and library preparations.
• Expertise in bioinformatics pipelines (Illumina, MiseQ, Sanger, etc); and analysis of meta-omic datasets.
• Statistical analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
• Detailed understanding of microbial metabolism and regulation.
• Hands on 16s RNA and ITS sequencing data analysis
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Evidence of relevant publications in the bioinformatics domain.

The value of the fellowship is R300,000.00 per annum (tax-free)
Deadline: 31 January 2025

Apply to Prof. Anthony I. Okoh at aokoh@ufh.ac.za and copy Ms. Piwe Ntlati at pntlati@ufh.ac.za.
Attach the listed documents in the post.

Don't miss this chance to advance your research career!

21/11/2025

NOW OPEN! Pursue Master's/PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Communication or Social Science. Funding available for selected projects!

The Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre at the University of Fort Hare invites students to apply for our prestigious Studentship Programme. Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting career in research!

18/11/2025

Huge congratulations to Mbasa Dlamini on her remarkable achievements!

We’re thrilled to announce that Mbasa has graduated with her MSc from the SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre!

To top it off, she’s had her review article published in the prestigious PLOS ONE journal. The article, titled “A systematic review on the incidence of influenza viruses in wastewater matrices: Implications For Public Health”, is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

We’re beyond proud of Mbasa’s accomplishments.